Page 208 - A Knight of the White Cross

"No indeed," Gervaise replied. "At the same time that we learned, from a
dying man left on board the ship the pirates captured yesterday, of the

course they had taken, and were so enabled to follow them, we also learned
that they were on their way to join a corsair fleet that was collecting at

some point on the eastern side of Sardinia, with the intention of sweeping
the coast of Italy. It was this, rather than the capture of these three vessels,
that induced us to disobey the general instructions we had been given to

cruise along the northern coast of Africa, and determined us to push north
to give warning along the coast from Naples to Genoa of the danger that

threatened, and, if possible, to enable Genoa to fit out her galleys to
encounter the corsairs. That duty has still to be fulfilled, though I fear that
Genoa will be able to do little, for of late she has been engaged in a long

civil struggle between her great families, and has taken but a small part in
maritime affairs. However, we can at least warn her, as well as Naples,

Pisa, and other towns, and may possibly find some opportunity for
ourselves striking another blow against the pirates."

"If so, certainly we shall be glad to accompany you, if you will allow us to
serve under you; for nothing would please us so much as the opportunity of

paying off a small share of the vengeance we owe them. But of course, if
you would rather, we will sail for Rhodes in the prizes."

"I am not thinking of sending them to Rhodes at present," Gervaise said. "It
seems to me that we may be able, in some way, to utilise them to

advantage. They have their sails, and rowers for the oars. There will be, in
each, besides seven knights of the Order, thirty men who, like yourselves,
must feel willing to strike a blow at their late oppressors. I need hardly say

that I shall be glad indeed to have the company and aid of three such well
known knights of the Order, and would, could I do so, gladly resign my

command into your experienced hands. But this I cannot do, and,
anticipating that you would be willing to join us in this expedition, I have
been thinking how I could best utilise your aid. I have thought that, if you

would accept the positions, I would appoint one of you to each of the
prizes, to act, not as its commander, but as the leader of the band of

released captives. Most of them are sailors, of course, and with them you
could work the guns and give effective aid to the little party of knights in